Civic leaders gathered Thursday at the Russellville Chamber of Commerce building to give updates on the progress of current industry development, fiscal status and potential business growth opportunities in the Arkansas River Valley.

The Arkansas Valley Alliance for Economic Development is operating with a net worth more than $1.8 million, according to a report.

Jeff Pipkin, president of the Alliance, said his recent trip to Washington D.C. was beneficial, and he had the opportunity to speak with federal legislators, thanked them for their support and asked for continued support in future projects.

“I had the opportunity to meet face-to-face with U.S. Rep. Tom Cotton and U.S. Rep. Steve Womack,” Pipkin said. “I updated them on the current progress of Alliance projects.”

Part of that progress, and growth of the Russellville area, depends on existing businesses, but additional new business ventures may be coming soon to the Arkansas River Valley, he said.

“There are some potential prospects for new business to move into the area,” Pipkin said. “There are a couple of new businesses that have inquired about buildings for manufacturing and another that asked about Russelville’s workforce related to those trained in technology.”

Businesses in the beginning stages of scouting new territories for opening shop typically do not inform the Alliance until it is ready to take the next step, Pipkin said.

The proposed convention center project has had some interesting inquiries recently, he said.

According to Pipkin, there may be four to six developers interested in submitting ideas about the project.

Dadanelle Mayor Carolyn McGee said the Front Street project was nearing time for construction to begin.

“The grant for the street phase starts May 13,” she said.”We will be glad to get that started.”